Oloruntobi Alabi
Ex-Super Eagles striker Samson Siasia has suggested that numerous European-born footballers opt to play for Nigeria only after failing to secure spots in other national teams.
The former Nigeria head coach drew a sharp contrast between the career trajectories of past generations and today’s internationally raised Super Eagles stars.
Speaking on UTVAfrica with Emmanuel Babayaro, Siasia emphasized how players from his era developed locally before transitioning abroad and eventually representing Nigeria, unlike the current squad’s predominantly foreign-born contingent.
“Our golden generation—1990 to 1998—comprised talents who honed their skills in Nigeria before moving to Europe and returning as national heroes. Today, we’re scouting players who grew up abroad—it’s a total shift,” Siasia remarked.
He added, “These players only consider Nigeria when other European opportunities fade. Had they been first-choice prospects elsewhere, they wouldn’t be here.”
Currently, the Super Eagles roster boasts several Europe-based stars, including Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, and Ademola Lookman, who were either born or raised outside Nigeria.
Siasia implied that many of these players wouldn’t have chosen Nigeria if they had secured prominent roles in European national teams before declaring allegiance to the three-time AFCON winners.
Omotayo Fashola
